It's great to get funky, but someone was getting really funky, if you know what I mean.

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I don't claim to be a picture of body odor perfection, sometimes my stuff stinks. And I forget to put on deodorant all the time. So often, that I keep some in my purse. And if there's none in my purse, I dab soap from the ladies' room under my arms. With this trick, I can usually pass the sniff test until I get home. My DH will let me know if a problem develops

But some people--especially at the gym--just totally smell. I think it's mainly because they're not washing their workout clothes. I see it all the time. Girls will show up to class in the same outfit they had on the day before. I don't care how cute that shirt is if it's growing it's own legs and learning how to walk.

According to WebMD, sweat itself doesn't smell. But the bacteria that live and breed in our sweat produce that tangy, musty odor. Yes, sweat is natural and normal. It's just that it stinks. Here are tips for controlling BO while exercising:

After washing with soap and completely drying, immediately apply an
underarm antiperspirant. Remember, deodorants do not prevent sweating. They
mainly mask the smell of the bacteria on your sweaty skin. Antiperspirants are
chemical agents that reduce sweating. Many antiperspirant preparations also
contain a deodorant, which helps to mask the smell. Check the product you use
to make sure it contains an antiperspirant. Use an all-natural product if you like, whatever works for you.

Keep your underarms dry. Bacteria have a hard time breeding in dry areas of
the body.

Try a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to fight body odor. Use one
teaspoon of peroxide (3%) to one cup (8 ounces) of water. Wipe this on affected
areas (underarm, feet, groin) with a washcloth. This may help destroy some of
the bacteria that creates odor.

If sweat from working out is your #1 cause of body odor, wash your
workout clothes often. Sweaty gym clothes are a bacteria-breeding ground.

Change your diet. Sometimes, fatty foods, oils, or strong-smelling foods
like garlic, curry, and onions, can seep through your pores and cause body
odor. (Always see a doctor or dietitian before making drastic dietary
changes.)

If you have excessive sweating (called hyperhidrosis), talk to your doctor.
There are many treatment options for those with more severe sweating who desire
more permanent treatments. Also, certain medical problems can lead to excessive
sweating. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Shaving your underarm regularly will help prevent the accumulation of
bacteria and can reduce sweat and odor.

True, in some societies, body odor is acceptable. But in New Jersey, it's not. And don't even get me started on women who wear maxi pads but don't change them often enough. My nose is sensitive, and I know when that's going on. Mix that stank with body odor, and it's enough to make me start dancing around without any music.

Today, at the gym, I was finally able to ignore whoever-it-was with the wacky smell. I'm not brave enough to say anything about it even if I knew exactly who it was.

Do you notice people smelling like BO? Do you do anything about it besides holding your nose?